Load-binder



J. S. SPEER.

LOAD BINDER.

(No Model.)

Patented Feb. 19

N. Fcrsns, Halo-Lithographer. Washington 0. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN S. SPEER, OF DUBOIS, PENNSYLVANIA.

LOAD-BINDER.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 398,286, dated February 19, 1889. Application filed November 6, 1888. Serial No. 290,073. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1. JOHN S. SPEER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Dubois, in the county of Clearfield and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Load-Binders; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

Thisinvention relates to couplings for binding chains, cables, &c., and has for its object to provide a device for joining the ends of a chain, or that can be interposed in the length of a chain to shorten it and draw it tight about the article to be bound.

The particular use for which the invention is designed is to draw the log or binding chains of lumber-wagons tight about the logs, so as to bind them securely together and to the wagon. However, I do not wish to be restricted in the use of the device, as it can be used for a variety of purposes.

The improvement consists of the novel features which will be hereinafter more fully de- 5' scribed and claimed, and shown in the anneXed drawing, which is a perspective view of a chain-coupling embodying my invention.

The jaws A and B have suitable gripping devices at their ends, which are formed preferably by curving their ends a and b in or toward one another and providing them with slots. The jaw B has a bar, 0, projecting therefrom which passes through the opening D in the jaw A and serves to guide the two jaws in their movements. The screw E, pass ing loosely through the opening 6 in the jaw B, screws in the jaw A, and is provided with the handle F for convenience of turning it.

In practice, suppose it be desired to couple the ends of two chains, the end of one chain is engaged with the end of the jawB and the end of the other chain with the end of the jaw A, and by turning the screw E the jaws A and B will be brought together, drawing the ends of the chains with them.

If the chain be unbroken and it is desired to tighten it, the ends of the jaws A and B will be engaged with the chain at suitable and convenient points, and by turning the said screw in the proper direction the chain will be drawn close around the article.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s

The herein shown and described device for the purpose specified, composed of the jaws A and 13, having their ends slotted and curved inward or toward one another, the guide-bar projecting from the side of one jaw and working in an opening in the other jaw, and the screw passing loosely through one jaw and screwingin an opening in the other jaw, substantially as described, and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN S. SPEER. 

